Monday, May 23, 2011

Something to be said about Accountability

I have been reflecting this past week, on my weight loss journey and on my running journey. I have learned so much about myself, and I found out that I need accountability. I am sure that I am not the only one, or at least I hope not.

For me with running I need a goal, something I am working towards. I do so well when it comes to training because I had a goal in mind. I knew what I needed to do to accomplish my goals. I followed the schedule and just did it. This week was hard for 2 reasons, one because running became a habit, and I looked forward to my daily run. Secondly because I couldn't and I don't like being told that I can't. I like to prove people wrong.

I am scared because right now I am "benched" for a while due to my injury, and I will not be able to run. I need to find a way to stay active, with out hurting myself any more than I already did. I am scared because I don't want to loose what I have already accomplished. I am scared because I found that I was getting depressed, which I have been battling most of my life, with out running.
Running helped me to feel good about myself.

The one good thing is I still have my goals ahead of myself - I am going to run the Columbus 1/2 marathon, and my goal is to PR that race with a time under 2 hours. I also set a goal to PR my 5K time with a time under 27 minutes. Both I can accomplish, but it is just going to take time, first I need to heal, then I need to start training again.

I also found that I need accountability when it comes to eating. I gained so much weight during marathon training, because I was just eating, and not caring. I did not write down what I was eating. I was not making the best choices. I know that the weight gain has so much to do with the mental struggle that I have with running. I know that I would be faster if I was less weight.

I actually weight 2 lbs more than the first time I joined Weight Watchers back in 2/10. I know that this is not where I want to be. I joined Weight Watchers again today, to have the accountability of weighing in each week at a meeting, and the fact that I have to write down what I am eating. I know that was the secret to my success before, and exactly what I need to do to get back on track.

The one good thing about this start to Weight Watchers is I know what to expect. I love the fact that I am already active. Since I can not run, I have a plan ahead of me to start cross training and weight training. I really feel that the secret to my success when it comes to running is the combination of the weight loss, and the cross and weight training.

I have a plan, I have the accountability I need with Daily Mile, Weight Watchers, My friends and of course my Blog. I will succeed. I will reach my goal weight and I will achieve my running goals - the difference this time is that once I reach them I will not turn back, I am going to keep being accountable!!!

You are definitely NOT alone when it comes to food accountability. I gained weight too during my training for the Cleveland race. I, too, am determined and holding myself accountable now so I can lose weight and be at a weight I want to when I start training in a couple of weeks for my first marathon.

You CAN do this because you ALREADY have come so far! Just keep reminding yourself of that. :-)

I have talked to many women who have gained weight during marathon training. It is hard to lose weight when your body needs fuel to run. Don't be too hard on yourself for that - you just ran a marathon!